Can I have interns?

Generally, yes. There is no rule in the O-1 visa that, on its own, prevents you from having interns, as long as all immigration and labor laws are followed. The key concern is not your status, but the situation of each individual intern.

When interns are U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or already hold a status that authorizes that work, there is typically no obstacle.

Greater care is required with foreign interns. In that case, it is essential that they:

• Hold the appropriate work authorization for the activity, or
• Be enrolled in a dedicated program, such as the J-1 visa, designed for exchange visitors and internships.

Bringing on someone without the correct authorization can create legal problems for everyone involved. Because immigration and labor rules intersect here, it is worth checking updated requirements through official sources or with a specialist before formalizing any arrangement.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.